Conscience Incorporated: Pursue Profits While Protecting Human Rights

A guide for business leaders working to create socially conscious, sustainable companies-without sacrificing profit

Amid international outcry over income inequality, labor abuses, and racial injustice, Conscience Incorporated examines the gaps in current corporate social responsibility measures. The rise of new technologies such as smartphones and social media have made it easier than ever to document and spread awareness of corporate misconduct. Despite these developments, large corporations often fail to meaningfully address the human rights abuses committed within their companies or as part of their global business practices. In Conscience Incorporated, Michael H. Posner addresses what lies at the root of the challenges global corporations face in addressing human rights failures by drawing on his extensive personal experience as a human rights lawyer, State Department official under President Obama, chair of the Fair Labor Association and Director of the Center for Business and Human Rights at NYU Stern School of Business.

Drawing from research into the history of business ethics and anchoring his argument with examples of companies publically accused of human rights abuses-Nike, Coca-Cola, Apple, and more-Posner provides a blueprint for global business leaders to navigate human rights challenges and adopt sustainable corporate practices. Conscience Incorporated highlights the dangers of outsourcing labor to faraway nations and enforcing unfair deals with local suppliers. Posner argues that growing public awareness has not been enough to meaningfully alter the unethical practices of some global businesses. In doing so, he reveals how these businesses have failed to prioritize human rights time and again, betraying their vows to protect workers and communities.

Posner offers concrete reforms and argues compellingly for why businesses need to devote greater time and resources to protecting basic human rights. Conscience Incorporated is a powerful challenge to the status quo and advocates for a fundamental shift in the principles that govern global businesses.